Cross trainer or Rowing Machine???

[upsydaisy]

Hello, I want to get one of these machines to use at home. Can anyone advise which would be best for overall toning/weight loss? Also can anyone recommend a specific make?

Cheers!

[wisewomen]

I have recently bought both. I find that the rower is better for an overall workout as it works every part of your body whereas the cross trainer only really works your lower half (you find your legs do most of the work whilst your arms just move, the rower is more of an even split!).

[sleepyj]

i think the cross trainer is a better work out .i have a rowing machine it makes my back ache after .a while .being on a cross trainer is better

[Velvetee]

Both are as good as the other and it's important to vary any exercise routine, otherwise the body adapts and just gets used to the exercise.

I personally prefer the Cross Trainer, as there are more programmes to follow, therefore alleviating the boredom factor and you can concentrate on toning upper and lower body as well as the regular cardiovascular workout.

As someone who works in the Fitness Industry, I highly reccommend Life Fitness Cross Trainers. They are sturdy and good quality, but expensive.

[Bigeye74]

I think that the olympic rowing squad used concept rowing machines as opposed to a cross trainer for their dry training. The rower allows you to see exactly how hard you are working and vary your effort accordingly i.e. control your training as you are not directly fighting gravity. If you warm up and stretch you should avoid a painful back